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CVS Prescription Errors

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It's estimated there are as many as 7,000 deaths annually in the United States from incorrect prescriptions and pharmacy regulators say the problem is getting worse as the number of prescriptions increases and the number of pharmacists decreases.

But surely a big company like CVS has a way to reduce the number of errors to nearly zero? We'd like to think so but the accounts we hear aren't very encouraging. In addition to the general mishaps below, we have a growing collection of consumer complaints about potentially serious errors including wrong counts, wrong dosage, the wrong drug and mistaken identity. The service pharmacy patients and their caregivers receive also leaves a lot to be desired.

Kirk of Margate City, NJ February 10, 2009

Kirk of Margate City NJ (02/10/09)
Over the last year I have received less than adequate service from this pharmacy. More importantly one pharmacist in particular has compounded the stress of dealing with a chronic illness; it is my experience that she has passed judgement on patient doctor relations and treatments we have agreed upon, including the use of narcotics pain meds for a chronic painful condition called Crohn's disease.

I told her it felt she was passing judgement on a subject matter she was not fully informed about but she insisted she was part of the treatment team which included altering doctor's orders. At first she was unaware of my name and, I would assume unaware of any illnesses I suffer from so for her to make a judgement call i felt it was extremely unprofessional. It was hurtful so I have tried to gain peaceful communicatin with her so she could be a knowledgeable part of my treatment team but from my perspective she has not ever reached out to me to do the same; she turned her back to me during one situation when I tried to peacefully introduce myself.

Due to poor patient/pharmacist relations a number of problems have ensued,including having to make several trips to my doctor in philadelphia (which I would have hoped could have been rectified through communication with the pharmacist/doc through phone or fax) - there has been an unwillingness to from my experience.

I do not have a current full-time job; last year I was employed as a social worker but had to resign due to complications with Crohn's Disease. Recently a script for hydrocodone was inaccurately dispense. I phoned to try to rectify the problem and although I explained the problem and believe I am entitled to receive the remainder as my insurance and myself covered, I was stonewalled and told i could not receive that remainder; this is poor practice and I thought possibly illegal as far a such a purchase goes (where is the remainder of my medication). There have been numerous occassions where I was unable to function or even get out of bed because my health - chronic pain and frequent bowel movements- and well having not been considered a priority to some pharmacists at CVS. If this treatment does continue i will take legal action for pain and suffering but would rather accept some feedback from someone who really cares and can talk me through some of these issues.

David of North Richland Hills, TX February 10, 2009

David of North Richland Hills TX (02/10/09)
I sent in a mail order presciption for 180 days supply of my blood pressure medicine, Metoprolol. The prescription calls for 1 tablet every twelve hours, 180 tablets every 3 months with 1 refill. My original supply was only 90 tablets but the bottle says 1 tablet every 12 hours. I ran out and re-ordered my refill early. The refill was also for the wrong amount and I did not catch what was going on until I started getting low and my doctor's appointment is three months away.

I called CVS and was told the prescription was written wrong, he said he had it in his hand. Also, the medicine was not available even if they could fix it. I called my Doctor and they pulled the script and verified it was written for 180 with one refill. CVS lied to me. I called back and was told there was nothing they could do, period. I was no longer on the same insurance. (re-enrollment) I finally was transferred to Jeff Walker, a customer relations supervisor. I asked for a refund of my co-pay so I could go get another script filled or the balance of my medicine. He said they should be able to send me the rest of my medicine, someone would call me in 24-48 hours. It is now 5 days later and no one has called. I called back and no one can give me an answer. I guess I am beat.

I am out my co-pay for the next 90 days of medicine.

Yudenich of Miramar, FL February 7, 2009

Yudenich of Miramar FL (02/07/09)
they gave me the wrong medicine, somebody else, just because we have the same last name, the medicine name is simvastatin 40 mg

no consequences, but it is irresponsible what whoul hapend if i drink the medicine

Jackie of River Rouge, MI January 25, 2009

Jackie of River Rouge MI (01/25/09)
My daughter had a very bad ear infection. The doctor prescribed augmentin. I went to the local cvs pharmacy and they only wanted to fill the name brand of this medicine which would cost me over 60. At the time I did not know it was for the name brand so I called the doctors office to prescribe me another type of antibiotic that would cost less. The nurse spoke to the doctor and told me that the generic brand should've been at least offered to me.

They called the pharmacy and had them give me the generic brand. Which was only a little over 7, problem is they only gave me 75 mL and the medicine is for 6.25 mL 3 times a day for 10 days. The amount they gave me was only enough for almost 4 days. I am not sure if they charged my insurance for the full 10 day dose but I will call monday to check. They gave such a hard time over giving the generic brand which I thought was supposed to be dispensed first, then they only give enough for 4 days. How is this antibiotic supposed to work fully if the pharmacy wont even give you the full amount?

I will never go back to this pharmacy. I want to add that I know sometimes they don't have enough to fill the script on the day you come in and sometimes they state that they owe you additional amounts, but that did not happen here. They gave me this amount and that is all! No more to come and get. Now I have to go back to the doctor and get another prescription anyway because it is the weekend and I can't get them to call the pharmacist and she has missed 2 doses already. Plus I don't think my insurance will pay for another prescription of this medicine again so quickly.

My daughter has to go back to the doctor to get another prescription and the antibiotics weren't enough to clear up her ear infection. I am lucky to be aware of the bottle and read the instructions. Otherwise she could've gotten alot worse!

Judie of Cincinnati, OH January 19, 2009

Judie of Cincinnati OH (01/19/09)
I went to pharmacy around 1015am to pick-up a prescription that my doctors office called in around 840am, Monday the 19th of Jan. The pharmacy assistant advised me that they had nothing for me. The pharmacist asked when the doctor called it in and I told them around 845am. I then asked, what time do you open. They said 800am. I then said well maybe they faxed it in? But no record there either said the pharmacist. Rather rude and downgrading attitude the pharmacist said, well give a few minutes to check the voice mail. While I was waiting I decided to call my doctor to check up on the called in prescription no make sure it wasn't called in at the wrong store.

They said they had left a voicemail at the correct phone number and they wanted to talk to the pharmacist. After the call was over the pharmacist said I TOLD YOU I'D CHECK THE VOICE MAIL IN A FEW MINUTES and I have it. During my waiting on the phone to the doctors the pharmacist made no attempt to tell the assitant that she got the voicemail and had the precription.

Rather then appolgize for not checking it earlier or say she was busy she just rather put the blame on the customer and VERY RUDELY! What an attitude she had. I was very quiet and calm since I'm very sick at this time with no energy to complain. When I paid for the meds the assistant said nothing but sign here and it's 15.00...no sorry, no thanks for your patience, nothing. I've been working in Customer Service over 30 years and I would NEVER treat a customer the way your pharmacist treated me. LAST TIME I GO THERE! I think you need some training how to treat customers in your company if you want to keep in business!